What torque wrench should I buy?

The bigger the drive and the longer the handle, the more torque they can deliver. Most home mechanics will find that a torque wrench with a 1/2-inch drive and at least an 18-inch handle is the best choice for lug nuts, cylinder heads, suspension bushings, and other likely uses.

Are cheap torque wrenches accurate?

Click-style torque wrenches are the most popular type of torque wrench. This style of wrench can be set to a specific torque level by twisting the base of the handle to match up with the desired setting on the handle. It’s also affordable and accurate, though not as durable as a beam torque wrench.

Are digital torque wrenches more accurate?

The Advantages of Owning a Digital Torque Wrench

When you do have to calibrate a digital wrench, it’s easier to do so than it is with a regular torque wrench because the digital display provides a more accurate measurement.

What is the most common torque wrench size?

Common torque wrench drive sizes include 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, and 3/4 inches. All have different applications. The 1/4 and some 3/8 inch drive wrenches will be measured in inch lbs., not ft.

Are Harbor Freight torque wrenches good?

Are electric torque wrenches good?

Digital torque wrenches are very accurate instruments. However, their more delicate construction requires extra care while handling. They also require batteries in order to operate.

Are Etork torque wrenches any good?

First the pros: It is really easy to read and set the torque values. It’s a very nice feature. The handle is easy to grip and comfortable. … Most click type torque wrenches taper off above the handle so that the head and neck are relatively thinner above the handle so they can be used in narrower spaces.

Should you double click a torque wrench?

Double checking your torque is never a bad thing.

By double clicking, you are allowing the fastener to rest for a second, then you are back at it to get the proper amount of torque there.

Are DeWalt torque wrenches any good?

The DeWalt 1/2-Inch Torque Wrench has a nice, long throw for leverage. There’s little doubt you’ll be able to easily reach the higher torques. The rubberized grip is quite comfortable and there’s even a rubberized (and removable) rubber head bumper to protect your work.

How accurate are Craftsman torque wrenches?

How accurate are Craftsman torque wrenches? A. According to the package, this particular wrench is accurate to about 4 percent when tightening fasteners clockwise and about 6 percent counterclockwise.

Can you over tighten with a torque wrench?

Over-tightening can cause damage to the fastener, and under-tightening can result in making the item you are attaching or assembling structurally weak and potentially unsafe for use.

Can you undo bolts with a torque wrench?

So long as users operate with caution and do not exceed the maximum torque, most torque wrenches can be used for undoing. … By exceeding the maximum torque limit during a bolt loosening you can affect the wrench accuracy, causing problems for future use. If in any doubt, use another tool for loosening bolts.

How many times should you click a torque wrench?

Turn the torque wrench until you hear two clicks. This means the correct amount of torque has been reached.

What happens if you dont use a torque wrench?

Too tight and something will break, it may be the thread on the bolt, or much worse the thread on in the hole. Bolts will also break, sometimes leaving a very hard to remove bit in your frame.

Can a torque wrench be used as a breaker bar?

Torque Wrench Use and Care Tips

Tighten fasteners in two steps—first to half torque and then to final torque. Clean dirty or rusted threads before tightening, but don’t lubricate them unless instructed to by the equipment manufacturer. … Never use your torque wrench as a breaker bar—that’ll damage the torque mechanism.

Is a ratchet the same as a torque wrench?

Torque wrenches are a type of wrench commonly used in automotive work and other tasks where a precise torque setting is needed for a specific bolt. Ratchet wrenches are more simple wrenches designed for loosening and tightening bolts.

How do I know how much torque I need?

Torque is defined the length of the lever arm multiplied by the force applied. For instance, if you have a two-foot long bar and you hang a 10-pound weight from it, you have 20 foot/pounds of torque.

Can you torque a bolt twice?

Sophisticated torqueing equipment is utilized to tighten bolts just beyond their yield point. … However, because the tightening procedure does permanently stretch the bolt, there is some risk of breakage if the bolt is reused.

Why shouldn’t you use a torque wrench as a ratchet?

You shouldn’t use torque wrenches as your general use ratchet wrench because they’re sensitive and misuse will result in their losing calibration, rendering them useless for their intended purpose.

Can you use a torque wrench like a socket wrench?

It is also called as the click type wrench. All torque wrenches come with a square drive where you can fit a socket. Normally when you buy a torque wrench you will not get a socket. You can not use it without a socket.

Why should you use a torque wrench?

A torque wrench is a tool used to tighten nuts and bolts to a predetermined torque value. This instrument allows fasteners to be tightened to the proper tension, helping avoid damage from over tightening or joints coming apart from under tightening.

Do you need torque wrench for oil change?

If you are new to changing your oil though, use a torque wrench and the proper factory torque specs. It’s easy to over-tighten a bolt and strip the threads if you don’t have practice. You might also need ramps or a floor jack, jack stands, and wheel chocks if you have to go under the vehicle.